In April last year, the singer had been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after testing positive for Covid, reports Asian Lite News
Music composer and singer Bappi Lahiri, who popularised disco music in India in the 80s and 90s, died at Mumbai’s CritiCare Hospital today. He was 69.
“Lahiri had been admitted to the hospital for a month and was discharged on Monday. But his health deteriorated on Tuesday and his family called for a doctor to visit their home. He was brought to the hospital. He had multiple health issues. He died due to OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) shortly before midnight,” Dr Deepak Namjoshi, director of the hospital said.
Bappi Lahiri delivered popular songs in several films of the late 1970s-80s like ‘Chalte Chalte’, ‘Disco Dancer’, and ‘Sharaabi’. His last Bollywood song titled Bhankas was for the 2020 film ‘Baaghi 3’.
The singer’s last appearance on the screen was with Salman Khan on reality show Bigg Boss 15, where he was promoting his grandson Swastik’s new song ‘Baccha Party’.
In April last year, the singer had been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after testing positive for Covid. He recovered after a few days.
President, PM hail the ‘matchless singer-composer’
“A matchless singer-composer” is how veteran musician Bappi Lahiri was remembered by President Ram Nath Kovind.
President Kovind said: “His songs found popularity not only in India but abroad. His diverse range included youthful as well as soulful melodies. His memorable songs will continue to delight listeners for a long time. Condolences to his family and fans.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed the sentiments of the music maker’s followers when he tweeted: “Shri Bappi Lahiri Ji’s music was all encompassing, beautifully expressing diverse emotions. People across generations could relate to his works. His lively nature will be missed by everyone. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu tweeted: “In the demise of Shri Bappi Lahiri, India has lost yet another veteran singer and composer. Bappi Da will always be remembered for his foot-tapping numbers. My deepest condolences to his family and followers. Om Shanti!”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said: “Pained to learn about the passing away of legendary singer and composer, Bappi Lahiri Ji. His demise leaves a big void in the world of Indian music. Bappi Da will be remembered for his versatile singing and lively nature. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti!”
Expressing his grief, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: “Deeply saddened by the demise of renowned musician Bappi Lahiri. He decorated many songs with his tunes. He had a fine and deep understanding of music. Bappida was always aware of social concerns as well. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of grief. Peace!”
BJP President J.P. Nadda said: “Deeply saddened by the demise of popular music composer and legendary singer, Bappi Lahiri Ji. He will be remembered for his iconic singing. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Celebs mourn Lahiri’s demise
Bollywood celebrities have been mourning the death of India’s ‘Disco King’ Bappi Lahiri since the news broke that he had passed away.
Akshay Kumar tweeted: “Today we lost another gem from the music industry… Bappi Da, your voice was the reason for millions to dance, including me. Thank you for all the happiness you brought through your music. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Om Shanti.”
Ajay Devgn also took to Twitter to say: “Bappi Da was so endearing in person. But his music had an edge. He introduced a more contemporary style to Hindi film music with ‘Chalte Chalte’, ‘Suraksha’ and ‘Disco Dancer’. Shanti Dada, you will be missed.”
Vidya Balan, on whom Bappi Lahiri’s popular number ‘Ooh la la’ was picturised in the film ‘Dirty Picture’, posted on her Twitter handle: “I wish you joy wherever you go Bappi da because that’s what you brought to the world through your music and your being. Love always, Bidda (as you’d so endearingly call me).”
Noted filmmaker Hansal Mehta recalled his personal association with Bappi Lahiri and said: “Another legend gone. Had the good fortune of working closely with him when I shot an ad for P&G and then when I worked with White Feather Films for @_SanjayGupta. Man of incredible melody and talent.”
Music composer Vishal Dadlani, spoke for his generation, when he tweeted: “Bappi Da was more than a legend. He was a friend. He was always kind to Shekhar and me and we shared mutual respect and admiration. Can’t believe he isn’t with us.”
On a personal note, he added: “First my Dad, then Lataji, then Bappi Da. 2022 is really hitting hard. Far too hard. My deepest condolences to Bappa, Rema, Mrs Lahiri and the grandkids.”
Bhumi Pednekar tweeted: “Complete Loss of Words. Heartbroken by the demise of the legendary Bappi Lahiri Ji. Truly a big loss. My condolences to his family and fans. Your music will live on forever, sir #RIPBappiLahiri.”
Lahiri’s Telugu compositions are unforgettable
Popularly known as the ‘Golden Man’ and the ‘King of Disco’ Bappi Lahiri was a music director for 14 Telugu movies, which include some good musical hits of their respective timelines. Super hit songs like ‘Vaana Vaana Velluvaye’, ‘Aakasham Loo Oka Thaara’, are still some of the most liked compositions by the legendary musician.
‘Gang Leader’, ‘Rowdy Alludu’, ‘Nippu Ravva’, ‘State Rowdy’ and ‘Rowdy Inspector’ are some of the many movies for which Bappi Lahiri had composed music.
Bappi Lahiri’s Telugu compositions mostly starred Megastar Chiranjeevi and most of the songs in their combinations were chartbusters at that point in time.
Bappi who had given music for the movies ‘State Rowdy’, ‘Gang Leader’, ‘Rowdy Alludu’, and ‘Big Boss’ featuring Chiranjeevi were musically hit. His other compositions for Mohan Babu and Venkatesh Daggubati were super hits as well. His last Telugu film was the 2020 movie ‘Disco Raja’, an album, originally composed by Thaman, but Bappi Lahiri was brought on board to sing the song ‘Rum Pum Bum’ with Sri Krishna and Ravi Teja, lyrics were penned by Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry.